The Little Miss Project: Watch the fan video here

Wed, Jan 12, 2011 at 1:15 PM

Yesterday, a fan named Erica posted a remarkable video on YouTube. Called "The Little Miss Project," it starts as a collection of messages from Sugarland fans talking about what this band means to them. Then, as "Little Miss" begins to play, the same fans hold up signs sharing their challenges in life.

We won't spoil the emotional ending. It's a beautiful piece of work, and we are so proud to showcase it on the site.

Watch the video and read Erica's story below. Tomorrow, we'll post how you can be a part of the project's next stage. To all the Little Misses (and Misters) out there in the world: Calling...

Erica writes:

“Little Miss” is definitely my favorite song off the new album. Don’t get me wrong, the entire album is incredible, but this song really hit home for me. It’s a song that we can all relate to, yet you feel like it was personally written for you. We’ve all experienced at least one character in the song, yet you feel like you’re the only one that has ever felt like that specific character. I can see myself in this song, I see my Mom in this song, I see my friends in this song, that’s how real this song is.

The concept of “The Little Miss Project” all started when I heard “Little Miss” on the radio as a single for the very first time. I asked myself, “What is this music video going to be like?” It’s an inspiring, heart-warming song, and I knew the video would be the same way. I decided to make an “unofficial music video.” I recently graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in photography, and back in school I had a documentary photography class. My documentary for the class consisted of about 20 different people, and they each wrote and filled in the blanks of “I am, I want, I need, I love, etc.” From there, I chose the one I liked best, they wrote it on a notebook, and I snapped the picture in an environment that fit their story. I knew I wanted to elaborate more on this idea with “The Little Miss Project.” I also knew that everyone who participated had to be Sugarland fans.

The next day, I created a Facebook event and invited all the Sugarland friends that I had been talking to. I gave them the general idea and asked what they had thought of it, and they were very excited about it. The Facebook event is where we all made our comments and ideas on how to make this project work. I ultimately decided that since I couldn’t take a picture of them, since they are all over the country, that I would have them send in a video of themselves. I made instructional and sample videos to easier explain the idea and what was needed to make this project possible. The ideas and deadline of this project extended a little over a month. The idea for what to write on the notebook was a hard time that you have gone through or are going through, but you realize that everything will be okay. Basically, the overall picture is the “Little Misses” in all of us. I was so unbelievably excited to get it all together.

I started receiving everyone’s videos, and as I saw what people wrote and sent to me, I knew this project was going to be amazing. Everyone spoke from their hearts and that was exactly what I wanted. I had also asked the fans to send in a video of why Sugarland has been such a huge part of their lives. I pictured this as the intro to the video, and it turned out perfect! I finished the video in just under a week of getting everyone’s videos.

As soon as I finished the video, I uploaded it to Youtube. Within 2 hours of posting it, there were already over 100 views. My Facebook was lighting up with comments and everyone was sharing it with their friends. I was amazed. Fans commented saying how they cried, how inspiring it was, and how they think it should be the actual music video, or playing in the background as they perform this song on tour. I’m so glad that it touched people in every way that I had hoped and MORE. I wasn’t expecting this huge of a response and I couldn’t feel happier. This was something I had just wanted to do for a fun little project, and it’s turned into a beautiful work of art.

I can’t thank the fans enough for their hard work and I definitely can’t thank Jennifer and Kristian enough for the way they’ve touched us all with their music. There aren’t enough words to actually say thank you in the most appreciative way. You’re always there when I’m feeling my worst, and you’re there when I feel my best. You keep us all inspired.

Sugarland has the best fans. The Sugarland community has been so amazing. I’m so happy I get to call so many of these fans, my friends. I’m truly my happiest getting to be surrounded by people that love Sugarland as much as I do while being at a show. Can’t wait to see you again on the second leg of the tour!

Erica did a amazing job with this video!! There's also little mister's out there too. Just cause some of us are males. Doesn't mean we're only being tough on the outside. When I listen to this song it reminds me of how much much mother gave to me and my brother. Plus how much she struggled herself with her own life but she pushed forward. It created a "it'll be alright again" for me. Sometimes I think if I get thru what's hard or seems impossible at that moment. I'll be able to shine a light for someone else who needs it.

wow. this is basically all I can say. This is amaaaazing Erica :) great job. I'm so glad you did ths, it shows every element of sensitvity & beauty in the song. I bet SL is in love with this. If I still can, I REEEALLLYYYY, really want to be a part of this. Like I'm dyinggg to be a part of this. I iknow you video is already done, but let me know any information on how to get involved or in touch with you to be a part of this & make a video. I would reeeally love it if we got in touch, via email or here :) it's Destiny. let's get in touch on here & I'll give you my email :) thank you soooo much, & again, amaaazing job :)

That was absolutely beautiful!! You did a great job on this project Erica....Kudos to you girl!! It totally warmed my heart and soul.....and this really could be the official video.....I hope it happens for you girl.....great job!!!

Totally cool & moving... and extremely creative Erica!! I'm glad Sugarland loves it as well & is running with this idea & taking it even further... hopefully they can somehow merge the 2 parts together for both a video & a tour background. But to be honest, I don't know if the 2nd part can be quite as 'perfect'... since the 1st turned out so amazingly special... sometimes when you try too hard at something again, trying to recreate or top the 1st, it doesn't come out exactly the same. I'm sure it will still be great... but I think the original will probably always be the best!!
Thank you Erica and everyone else in the video... thank you for truly moving me and making me cry. It's good to cry sometimes!! But I couldn't possibly watch it a 2nd time right away... I need some time to compose! lol